Primary open elbow arthrolysis in post-traumatic elbow stiffness – A comparison of outcomes in severity of elbow injury

• Published in: Journal of clinical orthopaedics and trauma 2021-03, Vol.14, p.74-79
• Main Authors: Murray, Alex, Morris, Daniel LJ, Cresswell, Tim, Espag, Marius, Tambe, Amol A., Clark, David I.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Open elbow arthroylsis; Post-traumatic elbow stiffness
• ISSN: 0976-5662; 2213-3445
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcot.2020.09.014

Stiffness is a sequelae of elbow trauma. Arthrolysis may be considered to increase range of movement (ROM). Little is published on the outcomes/complications of elbow arthrolysis. We present our series of primary open arthrolysis in posttraumatic elbow stiffness. A consecutive series of patients that underwent primary open arthrolysis for posttraumatic elbow stiffness in our unit (2011–2018) were analysed. All procedures were performed by an elbow surgeon. Postoperative rehabilitation followed protocol with early motion; continuous passive motion (CPM) was utilised if requested. Data collected included patient demographics, traumatic injury type, arthrolysis technique, preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative elbow ROM, complications and postoperative Oxford Elbow Score (OES). 41 patients were included. 59% were male. Mean age at time of arthrolysis was 43 years (range 12–79 years). Mean duration of follow-up was 53 months (range 8–100 months). Median duration from time of injury to arthrolysis was 11 months (range 2–553 months). Mean preoperative flexion-extension arc (FEA) was 70°, improving to 104° postoperatively (p